Lego train for 5yo boy

[ece9600]

I'd like to buy my son a Lego train set for Christmas. He loves trains and has a wooden set (Brio with Thomas the Tank Engine engines) but he's now ready for something a little more complicated and I thought of lego, his other obsession!

I'm not sure what would be best- I'm worried that he might be too young for the things I'm considering http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO-7938-Lego-Passenger-Train/dp/B003A2JCQ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291053546&sr=8-1 but simpler stuff seems a bit pointless as it's not so different from what he already has. I'm obviously happy to help make everything but would be keen for him to be able to play with it fairly independently once made.

Do you think a conscientious 5yo could get to grips with a set like this? If not, what would be better?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[MojoLego]

So long as you are able to assist on the build and provide occasional maintenance (e.g., when the train slams into a Lego fire truck), I think this is a great train. I think the Lego trains work fine down to four years old, especially if they are already doing Lego. I would consider the cargo train (7939) because it has some extra pieces that you may end up buying anyway, and it has more going on with the cars, cargo, etc. Either way, I think you are wise to get a full set (train and track).

There is a decent guide to Lego trains on the U.S. Amazon site:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/syltguides/fullview/RXFSIU63PESVG/

Cheers

[Duq]

Both the passenger train and the cargo train are rated 6+ by Lego so if your 5 year old is playing with Lego (not Duplo) on a regular basis he should be fine with the train.

Between those two sets I would recommend the cargo train if it fits the budget as it has a lot more play-value with the cargo, the truck and the switches/points in the track.

If he likes Toy Story you could also consider the Western train but be aware that this comes without track or motor.